Nigeria’s first on-demand motorcycle app, MAX.ng, is celebrating its third year anniversary today. The Lagos-based motorcycle platform is a ride-hailing and last mile delivery app that is looking to transform Africa’s two-wheeled taxi services into something of better-quality by making sure its moto-taxis are safe, affordable, and accessible.
3 years ago today, we thought – Let's do this!!#PilotPhase#BirthdayMood#MyTwitterAnniversary pic.twitter.com/vjISI85rHE
— MAX Okada (@maxdotng) August 17, 2018
Over the last few years, it has blossomed and enjoyed a lot of acceptance from customers. And to commemorate this feat, we have decided to bring you 5 interesting facts about this moto-taxi platform.
MAX Started 3 Years Ago
It's a #FlashbackFriday kinda mood today and we are so ready for this!!!
This is where it all started… In this learning space at MIT Boston..#Thread #MAXis3 #BirthdayMood pic.twitter.com/vHcNTVvmIA
— MAX Okada (@maxdotng) August 17, 2018
Metro Africa Xpress (MAX.ng), started 3 years ago and was co-founded by Chinedu Azodoh (who also serves as its Chief Technical Officer) and Adedayo Bamiduro.
After he graduated from MIT, Chinedu Azodoh decided to start Max.ng to help curb the existing problems battling transportation in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. And since inception, MAX has undertaken over 300,000 trips.
MAX Serves a Dual Purpose
MAX serves as a last-mile delivery service option (MAX Now) coupled with a ride-hailing service that uses a 200cc motorcycle (MAX Go) using its MAX app which is available on both iOS and Android platforms.
Although currently operating only in Lagos, the platform hopes to expand to all other parts of Nigeria and Africa soon.
MAX Drivers are Called “CHAMPIONS”
At MAX we have an anthem;
"When someone says a "We" you get a "One"
Which translates into "One Nigeria, One nation, One house and One family".Because we cannot work unless we agree.#TuesdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/wDC9To5TB1
— MAX Okada (@maxdotng) August 14, 2018
Unlike the local parlance way of referring to bike drivers as “bikemen” or “okada riders“, drivers at MAX are called Champions. These on-board drivers are recruited and trained using psychometric data and other detailed checks after which they are certified for service.
MAX Champions are also tracked throughout the platform for customer and driver safety, and to ensure the highest quality of service. Currently, MAX has over 500 Champions.
MAX Delivery Service Option Takes Only 3 Hours!
We all know how traffic is one of the daunting tasks faced in Lagos, but MAX boasts of delivering your package in 3 hours or less. Business owners can make use of this simplified service to deliver their good swiftly and are charged by MAX based on distance instead of weight and other factors that logistics companies often use.
The platform also provides real-time tracking so that customers know where their riders are at any given time.
MAX Go Trips are Safe and Transparent
The ride-hailing arm of its services are also safe for its users as MAX enforces the use of helmets for both drivers and passengers thus guaranteeing high safety standards.
Champions are also warned against carrying more than one passenger at a time, use their helmets and also provide one and a disposable, and 1-use-only-hairnet to passengers.
They say you are never fully dressed without a smile
But its only people that arrive early that smile to their destination.A smile is guaranteed when you #GowithMAXOkada #transport #Superstarwednesday pic.twitter.com/VJXq8suwsS
— MAX Okada (@maxdotng) August 15, 2018
A testimony to its high level of accident precaution is that in 3 years of service, driving both passengers and products around Lagos, the company has not had an incident that involved loss to property and/or life.
The MAX platform provides consistent transparent pricing to customers protecting customers and drivers from exploitation as it offers 65 Naira per kilometre after the customers first two kilometres. Customers can also pre-estimate their fare before taking a ride.
